Teaching young children can be both a rewarding and challenging experience, especially when it comes to imparting Islamic values. But when they show a willingness to learn, the process becomes much more enjoyable and effective. Recently, I had the privilege of teaching a nearly three-year-old a simple Islamic lesson, and I was amazed at her eagerness to participate Allahuma Barik. Here’s how the lesson went, and how I made it engaging for her at such a young age.
Setting the Scene: Introducing Islamic Values in Simple Language
Before we began the lesson, I made sure to explain the main points in a way that was easy for a toddler to understand. This particular lesson focused on key actions Muslims should avoid, such as saying bad words, hurting others, and following the beliefs of non-Muslims. I also made sure to include simple but clear language when talking about beliefs.
For instance, when we discussed the idea of following beliefs that are not in line with Islam, I explained it like this: “Some people believe that Allah has a son, but we know that Allah has no family. Allah is unique and doesn’t have a son or any children, because He is different from all creation.” This helped her grasp the concept of Islamic monotheism in a way that was age-appropriate and understandable. Using language that aligns with what children can easily relate to is key in making these lessons meaningful.
Matching the Pictures: Teaching Through Visuals
After introducing the key concepts, I used visuals to make the lesson even more engaging. I showed her a set of pictures and asked her to point out the actions Muslims should avoid. She quickly pointed to the images that represented actions like saying bad words and hurting others. It was a reminder that even at this young age, children are capable of understanding basic Islamic teachings when we present them in a way they can connect with.
The Fun Part: Coloring and Creative Expression
As the lesson progressed, I encouraged her to color in the pictures. She was excited to pick up her crayons and explore her creativity. We decided to use shades of red to color the images, and the variety of red crayons, pencils, and markers kept her interested and excited. The coloring activity not only helped reinforce the lesson but also gave her an opportunity to express herself independently.
Although I was initially a bit nervous about her handling scissors lol. She cut and pasted the pictures with care, enjoying the hands-on aspects of the lesson.
It was nice to witness how much children absorbed through these activities, and I realised just how effective these simple, interactive tasks can be for young children.
Reinforcing the Lesson: Independent Choices and Repetition
As we continued, I encouraged her to make her own decisions about which pictures belonged in each section. She accurately placed most of the images in the correct boxes. I repeated the word “NO!” each time we discussed an action to emphasize that these were things Muslims should avoid. This simple repetition helped her internalize the lesson in a fun and engaging way, while also reinforcing the boundaries of acceptable behavior in Islam.
Once the child finished, she proudly showed her completed work to her parents Allahuma Barik ♥️ May Allah accept it from her.
In just about 30 minutes, she had absorbed a valuable lesson on Islamic values in a way that was meaningful and memorable. Of course, her attention shifted quickly to exploring the pencil sharpeners afterward, a classic sign of how young children learn and explore the world around them lol.
Reflections on the Lesson: Why It’s Important to Teach Islamic Values Early
I wanted to share this experience because many parents often worry about whether their young children are “too young” to learn about Islam and its values. But the truth is, children are eager to learn and absorb everything around them, especially when they are introduced to it in an accessible way. If a child is ready and shows interest in learning, there is no better time to start teaching them about the beautiful teachings of Islam. If the child is not ready or willing just yet, then that’s also fine as there’s plenty of time for this In’shaa’Allah.
Using simple language, relatable examples, and engaging activities like coloring and matching pictures helps make complex concepts easy to understand. And by teaching them early, we are laying a foundation for a strong understanding of Islam that will grow with them as they mature.
Final Thoughts: The Power of Early Islamic Education
If your little one is eager to learn, take a few moments to teach them something meaningful. Whether it’s about kindness, respect, or the oneness of Allah, young children are incredibly receptive and open to learning. By introducing Islamic values in a playful, hands-on way, we can help instill these important lessons early on, setting them up for a strong foundation in Islam as they grow.
If you want to use the same activity we used you can find it here: https://www.authenticislamicteaching.com/product-page/muslim-manners
What activities have you used to teach young children about Islamic values? Share your experiences and ideas below! Let’s support one another in nurturing the next generation of strong Muslim individuals.
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